Henry Schouten (1857–1927) Circus Monkeys Oil On Canvas, C. 1890

Henry Schouten (1857–1927) Circus Monkeys Oil on Canvas, c. 1890

With wit and liveliness, Henry Schouten presents a playful monkey scene: on a circus stage, a pair of monkeys amuse themselves by tossing ice balls at each other’s heads. This finely executed and whimsical work is signed lower right and dates to circa 1890.

Dimensions:

Unframed: Height 25¼ in - Width 21¼ in

Framed: Height 35¾ in - Width 31⅞ in

In fine condition, this painting has undergone professional restoration and cleaning. It is elegantly presented in a giltwood and composition frame, which enhances its charm and sophistication.

Biography:

Henry Schouten (Batavia, Indonesia, 1857 – Brussels, 1927) – Belgian Master of Animal Realism

Birth and Training Born circa 1857 in Batavia, Indonesia, Henry Schouten settled in Belgium and trained at the Brussels Academy from 1876 to 1881. There, he studied under the renowned animal painter Alfred Verwee, whose influence profoundly shaped his artistic style. Schouten dedicated himself to the realistic and precise depiction of animals, establishing himself as a leading figure in the genre.

Recognized Animal Realism A refined and masterful animal painter, Henry Schouten is best known for his rural scenes and portraits of domestic animals—cattle, sheep, horses, and poultry. His works are distinguished by anatomical precision, meticulous detail, and a remarkable ability to capture the expression and movement of his subjects in their natural settings. Avoiding idealization, he favored an authentic and nuanced approach that earned him the admiration of both peers and the public.

A Multifaceted Career Throughout his career, Schouten used several pseudonyms: Jos Klaus, M. Claes, Joseph Klaas, E. Meulat Joors, V. Marinus, and J. Remis. These signatures allowed him to tailor his work to different mediums and audiences, from prints intended for the press to canvases exhibited in salons or acquired by collectors.

Style and Legacy His style, both technically skilled and poetic, aligns with the great Belgian realist tradition while infusing it with a personal and sensitive touch. Although he also explored still lifes and genre scenes, his animal depictions remain the cornerstone of his reputation. Henry Schouten passed away in Brussels in 1927, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that reflects his deep connection to nature and rural life.